The Swiss Association of Trust Companies (SATC) is the industry’s central organisation representing trust companies in Switzerland, and works closely together with the with the Swiss branches of theSociety of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) which is the leading international professional organisation for individuals involved in trust and estate planning.

The 30 members of SATC specialise in trust services, employing a high number of all trust and estate practitioners (TEPs) working in Switzerland, which corresponds to around 1,500 TEPs and approximately 8 % of the more than 20,000 recognised professionals worldwide. Many of the TEP members hold leading positions with SATC members. SATC members manage CHF billions in bankable and non-bankable assets.

Based in Zug, SATC is committed to the further development of the trust industry in Switzerland, the focus being on promoting quality and integrity as well as compliance and professional and ethical standards.

Activities in 2024

Last year, SATC was active in all areas relevant to the Swiss financial centre and the trust industry in particular. The activities included involvement in the implementation of international standards on the one hand and constructive support for political and regulatory initiatives on a national level on the other hand, e.g. change of FATCA to Model 1, draft bill on the transparency of legal entities, inheritance tax (JUSO initiative) and the revision of the foundation law.

Outlook for 2025

In the current year, SATC keeps having a critical but objective look at all relevant legal and regulatory developments both in Switzerland and internationally with its focus on :

  • Regulatory framework conditions
  • Transparency issues and compliance issues
  • Tax developments
  • International treaties with an impact on the industry, e.g. FATF country review,

Particular attention is also paid to Switzerland’s sanctions policy. SATC is committed to ensuring that regulatory measures remain compatible with fundamental rights, especially the guarantee of ownership.

Swiss Association of Trust Companies (SATC)